Viva Italia! Highlights From This Year’s Columbus Day Parade [Video]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m27hcy1J1ug

Once again, as in years past, Bensonhurst’s 34th Annual Columbus Day Parade was a smashing success.

Nearly every school, community center, and church in town marched down 18th Avenue for the joyous annual event organized by the Federation of Italian American Organizations (FIAO) to celebrate the many contributions Italian Americans have brought to our neighborhood and city.

Bensonhurst’s young singing sensation Diana Marie Paunetto, 11, thrilled parade goers with a performance of the Italian national anthem, and Justice Patricia M. DiMango, one of the judges on CBS’ Hot Bench (who, FYI, is originally from Bensonhurst), lent the panel of Grand Marshals a little star power.

“This is literally the best day of my life!” DiMango gushed into the microphone.

The stage in front of Il Centro (8703-8711 18th Avenue) was packed with local community leaders and politicians, and the street was lined with Italian flags and red, white, and green balloons — proving that, despite demographic shifts, a rich Italian American culture still flourishes in our little corner southwestern Brooklyn.

Enjoy a little highlight reel we put together, and feel free to share your own photos of the parade in the comments!